Academic goals in five lines

[Syntrope]

Dear Forum.

I am wondering what I should write for my academic goals for the scholarship application.
Besides saying something about my degree and wanting to graduate, what else can I include here that can be said in 500 characters (approx 5 lines)?

Thank you,

Arvind

[phrasemix]

Hi Syntrope,
Try to explain what you'd like to do with the degree you're getting, as specifically as possible. So if you're going to study Biology, don't just say "I'd like to study Biology" but write about how you'd like to study the ways that viruses attack cells so that you can someday join a research team that's working on finding cures to diseases like AIDS.

~phrasemix

[Gillnetter]

Originally Posted by Syntrope

Dear Forum.

I am wondering what I should write for my academic goals for the scholarship application.
Besides saying something about my degree and wanting to graduate, what else can I include here that can be said in 500 characters (approx 5 lines)?

Thank you,

Arvind

I would first emphasize that you can complete the program. The last thing a university wants is a PHD candidate that cannot, or, will not complete the program. Next, I would mention that how, with advanced knowledge, you plan on helping people throughout the world by finding cures, or whatever you will do in your field. I suggest that you keep the discussion on a higher plane than just how the degree will help you – talk about what you will do for other people. In addition, talk about how you can advance the specific field you are in. This may take some editing as 500 characters is a serious limit on what arguments you can make.